DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed, early stage, unilateral invasive breast cancer of TNM stages T0 - T3, N0-1, M0, i.e., Histologically proven axillary node metastases OR Lymph node negative Not locally advanced If supraclavicular node is enlarged or suspicious of metastasis, negative biopsy for supraclavicular node metastases required No evidence of any other metastases clinically or on routine staging investigations No past history of pure in situ carcinoma in either breast Primary tumor is completely excised

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: Not specified Sex: Female Performance status: Not specified Hematopoietic:

Neutrophil count greater than 2,000/mm3 Platelet count greater than 100,000/mm3 No evidence of sepsis Hepatic:

Adequate hepatic function Bilirubin normal AST/ALT normal Renal: Adequate renal function Creatinine less than 1.2 mg/dL Cardiovascular: No clinically significant cardiovascular disease Other: No prior or concurrent other malignancy except adequately treated basal or squamous cell carcinoma of the skin or in situ carcinoma of the cervix Not pregnant or nursing Fertile patients must use effective contraception

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Not specified Chemotherapy: No prior chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: Prior tamoxifen allowed Radiotherapy: No prior radiotherapy Surgery: See Disease Characteristics